But it was only when 19-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero also eagled the same hole more than two hours later that McIlroy could celebrate.

Louis Oosthuizen could still have caught McIlroy by taking the first prize but Manassero beat the South African with a 12-foot putt on the third play-off hole.

Already with the PGA Tour title in the bag, world No.1 McIlroy emulated the double achieved by Luke Donald last season, while Manassero became the first player to win three times on the circuit before the age of 20. McIlroy stormed to third place with a closing six-under-par 65.

‘It really is hugely satisfying to finally become the European No.1, especially after finishing second two of the last three years,’ said the 23-year-old, who is the youngest money-list winner since Sandy Lyle in 1980.

‘It has always been one of my goals ever since securing my Tour card five years ago, but then to also end the year as both European and PGA Tour No.1 is just amazing.

‘Winning a second major championship [the US PGA] already made it a fabulous season, but then to follow Luke Donald is the icing on the cake.’

The Northern Irish star, though, has already set himself new goals.‘I’ve got a healthy lead in the world rankings, but with so many very good players it will not be a time to be resting on my laurels,’ he added. ‘My goal is to push on in the new year.

‘Monty [Colin Montgomerie] won eight Order of Merits in his prime and I have won one, so there is plenty of ground to make up. Also Jack Nicklaus won 18 majors – I have my name on two – so targeting the majors will still be my main focus next season.’